Trump Signs New Visa Fee for Foreign Workers

President Donald Trump has enacted a significant new requirement involving the fees for skilled foreign workers, introducing a hefty $100,000 annual charge for those applying for H-1B visas.

This initiative, aimed at providing temporary access to highly skilled foreign workers—particularly in fields like technology—comes amid concerns that the program has been misused to bring in less-skilled and lower-paid workers, thereby impacting American job opportunities. The new visa restrictions arise from worries about both economic stability and national security.

The declaration notes, “The relatively low-paid worker number in the H-1B program weakens the integrity of the large number of programs.” This, according to the statement, particularly harms the wages and job prospects for American entry-level workers.

Under the H-1B program, employers typically pay a $65,000 annual fee for foreign professionals. Generally, these visas are valid for a duration of three to six years.

The new regulations will take effect on Sunday, September 21st, and are set to last for a year without extensions.

Trump emphasized the necessity of skilled labor, stating, “We need workers. We need great workers. This ensures that it happens.” The intention is to bolster job security for Americans, especially in STEM fields.

The document further highlights that the number of foreign workers in STEM roles has surged from 1.2 million to almost 2.5 million between 2000 and 2019, while overall STEM employment has grown by just 44.5%. It also points out that the share of foreign workers in computer and mathematics jobs has climbed from 17.7% in 2000 to 26.1% in 2019.

Interestingly, IT firms have been identified as major contributors to the challenges facing American workers in tech roles. The report indicates a notable increase in the percentage of IT workers in the H-1B program—from 32% in 2003 to over 65% in recent years.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed that this fee is designed to motivate businesses to hire American workers instead. He noted, “If you’re going to train people, you’re going to train Americans.” While there is still room for highly specialized talent, the aim is to ensure that domestic graduates are prioritized for training opportunities.

Lutnick further commented on the situation, saying, “Take people and stop taking our jobs. That’s our policy,” referring to discussions with major companies regarding the new regulations.